Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has firmly refuted claims that he has been lobbying the National Assembly to amend the Nigeria Police Act 2020 to extend his tenure and the years of service for police personnel.
In a statement released by Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, it was clarified that the bill in question was originally introduced during the 8th Assembly but did not progress beyond the initial stages before that Assembly’s dissolution.
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“It is standard legislative practice to review and update laws to align with current national realities,” Adejobi stated.
The proposed amendment aims to extend the years of service for police officers from 35 to 40 years and raise the age limit from 60 to 65 years.
Adejobi emphasized that the Nigeria Police Force is concerned about the spread of false information, especially the distorted reports by some online media outlets that allege IGP Egbetokun personally initiated the bill to extend his tenure.
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“These misleading publications suggest that IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun has invested significantly in lobbying lawmakers to facilitate the passage of this bill to prolong his tenure as the 22nd indigenous Inspector General of Police. This is categorically false,” Adejobi stated.
IGP Egbetokun condemned the actions of certain media outlets and their sponsors for spreading baseless accusations.
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He highlighted that the intent behind any legislative amendments is to enhance the effectiveness and relevance of the law, not for personal benefit.
“To understand the true motivations behind this initiative, one needs only to look at the Inspector General of Police’s steadfast commitment to reforming the Nigeria Police Force. His advocacy for this bill stems from a genuine belief in its potential to improve the conditions of service for police officers and thereby bolster security nationwide,” the statement explained.
The Nigeria Police Force also reminded the public that the tenure of an Inspector General of Police is already set at four years, with only the President having the authority to remove an IGP before the completion of the tenure.
The Nigeria Police Force urged the public to exercise caution and discernment when consuming information, particularly from sources known for sensationalism and unverified claims.
“Such misinformation not only misleads but also detracts from constructive dialogue and efforts towards meaningful police reform,” the statement said.
